Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Mobile, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 9.9% more expensive than Mobile, AL. This translates to spending an extra $743 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Mobile, AL?

If you earn $150,000 in Mobile, AL, you'd need approximately $158,918.974 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Mobile, AL and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 32.5% more expensive than in Mobile, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $910/month in Mobile, AL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Mobile, AL to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $743 more per month than Mobile, AL, or $8919 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Mobile, AL vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Mobile, AL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from New Orleans, LA area

Current salary in Mobile, AL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $743/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.9K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 9.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$743

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Mobile, AL

Population:183K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$180K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$414K

Mobile, AL

The Heart of Dixie

183K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 183K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mobile, AL vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Mobile, AL	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $684more	32.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $273more	22.5%
📦Other	$1,850/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $173less	9.3%
🏥Healthcare	$466/mo	$589/mo	↑ $123more	26.4%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$561/mo	↑ $80.22more	16.7%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.69more	0.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 32.5%

Mobile, AL

$2,105

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$684

🚗Transportation

↑ 22.5%

Mobile, AL

$1,216

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$273

📦Other

↓ 9.3%

Mobile, AL

$1,850

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$173

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 26.4%

Mobile, AL

$466

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$123

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.7%

Mobile, AL

$481

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$80.22

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.5%

Mobile, AL

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.69

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$719

To$1,390

↑ $671

1 Bed

From$769

To$1,510

↑ $741

2 Bed

From$910

To$1,750

↑ $840

3 Bed

From$1,189

To$2,330

↑ $1,141

Mobile, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$1,080/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,076

Monthly in Mobile, AL

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$992

Difference

Home Values

Mobile

Phoenix

$180K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +22.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$55K - $308K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 130% more expensive than Mobile

Calculate payment - Mobile Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$186

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Mobile, AL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alabama State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,794/month

$105.5K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Mobile, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.